What Conservation Areas can I get into for free?

A number of local Conservation Authorities, in appreciation for the work that local BTC volunteers do to build and maintain the trail, have extended certain access priviledges to BTC members.

In general, these agreements allow for access to the Bruce Trail only. They do NOT allow for parking or access to other Conservation Area features and facilities.  

Please carry your membership card with you on hikes to these areas. If park staff request payment, please pay the fee.

Agreements are subject to change.

Current Agreements (as of June 11 2010):

Conservation Halton:

REVISED: Message from Conservation Halton re access by Bruce Trail members - Revised 2010-06-11 (.pdf, 22.7 KB)
to take effect July 1 2010

[Conservation Areas covered: Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls, Crawford Lake, Mount Nemo]

BTC members accessing the trail by foot will continue with past practice - no additional admission requirements will be needed to access the trail in CH gated parks.

Where BTC members require access and parking for vehicles, the following options will apply:

1) Pay the applicable daily admission rate at the gate,

OR

2) Purchase one of the following options (by presenting BTC membership):

a) "Limited-access" CH Annual Membership for BTC members -- $25 per person 
This membership will provide access to gated parks where the Bruce Trail is located on weekdays throughout the year.  This membership will not allow access on weekends and during major special events

b) "Full-Access" CH Annual Individual Membership -- $45 (regularly $95)

c) "Full-Access" CH Annual Family Membership -- $65 (regularly $115) 
This upgraded membership will provide full access to all CH gated parks and applicable services throughout the year.

When BTC members are involved in trail improvement projects or inspections, volunteers will be provided with free access to park(s) for the associated time period through a permit process.  A permit request must be submitted and approved for all volunteer activities on trails in Conservation Halton parks.   To request a permit, please contact Shanie Van Rossum (Conservation Halton) at 905-336-1158 ext. 239. 

NOTE: This is a new agreement with Conservation Halton to take effect as of July 1 2010. Please see the pdf file above for more information.

Credit Valley Conservation Authority

[Conservation Areas covered: Terra Cotta, Belfountain]

BTC members who show gate staff a valid membership card will be admitted free of charge during posted seasons and hours of operation. Where there is a "pay envelope system", BTC members are asked to display a BTC membership card on the dash of the car so that it is in plain view from the outside.

Hamilton Region Conservation Authority

[Conservation Areas covered: Devil's Punch Bowl; Felker's Falls; Iroquoia Heights; Dundas Valley; Spencer Gorge/Webster's Falls; Borer's Falls]

Access is free for through hikers, or those accessing the Bruce Trail through these CAs on foot.

BTC members must still pay fees for vehicle access at the parking lots in the Christie Conservation Area, Dundas Valley Area, and Webster's Falls / Spencer Gorge Area (including Harvest Road and Fallsview Road lots.)

Updated: June 11 2010